Teaching English in Mexico
In 2010, as the violence in northern Mexico escalated, mission work was relocated to a safer region in the central part of that county, one ripe for the harvest. Shortly thereafter Pastor Brad Krause was assigned to start Cristo Resucitado (Resurrected Christ) in Leòn, Mexico. With volunteers from Kingdom Workers, the church was able to offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to the Mexican nationals. Currently 
18 classes are being taught by MLC students Joel Hering and Lucas Fricke. There have been between 150 to 200 people coming through the doors each week. This provides a huge contact list from which they can compile a group of prospects. “Nobody will become a believer through taking an English class alone, but the program has opened doors for us to share the gospel message,” says Krause.
At the beginning of each new class, Krause introduces himself and the church. Each class period runs for about eight weeks and covers different stages of English lessons ranging from beginning to more advanced. Then he shares that a group of Lutherans in the United States donates money so their church can offer free English classes. This is their first introduction to Lutheranism.
Some students have been in the program for six to nine months. That is enough time to build deeper relationships and get to know the life stories of individuals. The students start feeling comfortable asking questions about the church and opportunities are created to proclaim God’s Word to them. Another way Krause has found to share God with these people is to show them that they have an active church. They strive to have an outreach event once a month. All the English students are invited to come to church for the event. Out of 200 invitations sometimes two or three come and other times up to 30 will come. Krause leaves biblical Spanish literature and printed sermons for the students to take home too.
Living among a predominantly Catholic region, roughly 93% of population, breaking down cultural barriers can prove to be difficult. If a Roman Catholic leaves the Catholic church in some cases they may be disowned by their families. Many struggle with the decision to follow Jesus at the cost of giving up family ties. “It’s a tough spot to be in,” states Krause. “Our role is to pray for them while encouraging them in their faith.”
The benefits far outweigh the challenges though, take Sente and Susan for example. Vicente drove Lulu to English class every week. While Lulu studied at church, he waited in the car. Vicente told his wife, “I will never go into a Lutheran church. I am a good Catholic and Catholics don’t do that.” Well, a few months back the church held one of their special outreach services. All the English students were invited. Imagine Krause’s surprise when Vicente and Lulu showed up. The next week when Vicente sat in the car during class, Krause went out to talk with him. They talked for two hours! Vicente confessed things he had done, his past and present sins. It was the perfect occasion for Krause to proclaim the law and gospel. The Holy Spirit worked in Vicente’s heart and now Vicente and Lulu are two of the church’s most faithful attenders. In fact just recently Vicente brought his son and his son’s girlfriend to Bible class.
“It’s amazing to see God working through all that,” shares Krause. “These classes have been a tremendous blessing. We are so thankful to Kingdom Workers for the opportunities they have helped us generate for the good of God’s kingdom.”
